Real Madrid: Injury Crisis Deepens as Mbappé Joins Ranks

As the 2025-2026 season unfolds, Real Madrid finds itself in the midst of a significant injury crisis. Following a challenging summer impacted by the Club World Cup, coach Xabi Alonso has faced mounting difficulties in preparing his squad. The Basque tactician is grappling not only with disappointing results but also with an alarming number of injuries. In just five months of competition, a staggering 23 players have been sidelined, as reported by AS. This unprecedented situation poses a serious threat to Madrid’s ambitions for major trophies in 2026.

The injury woes are compounded by the absence of key players like Kylian Mbappé, who recently added his name to the lengthy injury list. Alonso’s squad has struggled to find consistency on the pitch, and as they prepare for a crucial match against Real Betis this weekend, the coach is desperate for stability and performance from his remaining players. With four points separating them from FC Barcelona in La Liga, every match becomes critical as they aim to close the gap and regain their form.

Striving for Solutions

According to reports, Real Madrid is actively seeking solutions to mitigate this injury crisis. The club’s focus is on enhancing physical preparation, recovery protocols, medical examinations, rehabilitation, and collective training sessions. As they gear up for an intense schedule that includes La Liga matches, the Supercopa de España, and the UEFA Champions League, the coaching staff aims to implement a detailed action plan to optimize training and recovery processes. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Federico Valverde, and Mbappé will be hoping to avoid further setbacks as they navigate this challenging period.

Upcoming Challenges and Tactical Adjustments

Xabi Alonso faces the daunting task of continuously adjusting his lineup until he can access his full squad. This Sunday at 16:15 CET marks a pivotal moment as Madrid takes on Real Betis in La Liga, with aspirations of securing their first victory of the new year. The upcoming matches are not just about league standings; they also include critical fixtures like the Supercopa de España against Atlético Madrid in just six days. In this context, Gonzalo Garcia may play a crucial role after stepping up in recent weeks. Although he hasn’t dazzled on the pitch, he remains one of the few available strikers following Endrick’s loan move to Lyon.

As Alonso looks to solidify his tactics while navigating through player absences, every decision will be vital. Can Garcia seize this opportunity to impress? With twenty matches remaining over five months of competition, there’s still time for Real Madrid to turn their season around and reclaim their position among Europe’s elite.